Several other schools in the state have advisers like Williams who assist students’ transition from high school to college or trade school. He helps seniors navigate through the process of applying to colleges or trade schools, and with applying for financial aid.

The process of continuing education after high school can be challenging, so students need all the help they can get.

The student-to-counselor ratio in Michigan’s high schools can be more than 700-to-1, according to Michigan Department of Education statistics.

“The criteria for a high school to participate in the program is to have 100 seniors. Neither school has that many seniors, but by applying together they do,” said Williams, of the Owen-Gage/Harbor Beach program. “My mission is to increase college and trade school readiness.”

The AdviseMI program places recent college graduates like Williams, who graduated from one of 16 Michigan colleges and universities in the AdviseMI program, into high schools to serve as advisers. Williams graduated from Ferris State University.

Along with graduating from college, Williams also underwent an intensive four-week training to prepare to work with students as an AdviseMi adviser.

“I and others in the AdviseMI program work alongside high school counselors and other school staff to support students in making the transition from high school to go on,” explained Williams. “We do not replace the high school guidance counselor but rather work in conjunction with them in helping students.”

High schools are selected through a competitive review selection process.

“We are lucky to have him (Williams) working with our students. His assistance will help alleviate some of the frustration in transitioning to college or to other post-secondary education, and with financial aid,” said Owen-Gage Superintendent Terri Falkenberg.

Initially, Williams focused his studies on public relations, but that entailed writing rather than interaction with people. It was during a Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints’ mission trip that he made up his mind that he wanted to have more interaction with people. He worked as a para-pro for three months and enjoyed that, so he followed his passion into education.

“After I took the AdviseMi training, I knew I would love this job, and I do,” Williams said. “It’s a growing profession.”